Description
Once in a lifetime opportunity to own one of the most coveted estates in the Midwest with a main house, attached coach house, guest house, pool, pool house, conservatory, and awe-inspiring gardens with 21 “garden rooms” spanning almost 9 acres, near Lake Michigan! This magnificent brick Georgian home was designed by noted architect Benjamin H. Marshall in 1912 and enlarged by Thomas Beeby in 1996. Marshall was an influential Chicago architect of the roaring 20’s, most remembered for designing the Drake Hotel. The house was built for Mr. and Mrs. John T. Pirie. Mr. Pirie was president and heir to Carson, Pirie Scott & Company. The current owners purchased the estate from Laurance H. Armour, Jr. in 1988. The facade of the house also reflects elements of Prairie School Architecture with its row of wide windows, portico and three-story gable, with an Italianate influence featuring Tuscan columns and bowed windows. The spectacular landscape was designed in the 1920’s by Rose Standish Nichols. This fabulous estate includes a breathtaking expanse of bentgrass lawns, majestic trees and a series of 21 awe-inspiring outdoor “rooms,” most of which were created by the current owners who engaged prominent landscape architects throughout the development of the gardens. After the current homeowners took possession in 1988, they proceeded with a decade long house and garden renovation and expansion of remarkable stewardship enhancing the property to its current state of splendor. In the mid 90’s two neighboring properties on Mayflower Road were purchased allowing for the expansion of the gardens and the addition of the pool house, pool and guest house, all designed by noted architect, Thomas Beeby. They extended the gardens well beyond the historic landscape plan employing the highest quality and nationally recognized architectural and landscape professionals, preserving its historical character and recreating a classic Lake Forest estate. The expansion was one of the most important events in the history of local country places in 60 years and significantly elevated the architectural quality of this section of Mayflower Road. There is elevator access to all four levels of the main house. The landscape is the collaboration of many including Tom and Kirsten Beeby, New York Landscape Architect & Designer Deborah Nevins, English garden designer Rosemary Verey, and local landscape architects Frank Mariani, Craig Bergmann, and P. Clifford Miller. The most important influence was the owner’s passion and creative talent for gardening, as well as their love of nature that was the driving force behind this extraordinary one-of-a-kind landscape. There is arguably no other property like this in the country with its array of captivating garden rooms, lush, wooded ravine garden, exquisite millefleur seasonal garden beds and long-term mixed plantings, perfectly manicured hedges, majestic trees, espalier trees, and captivating beauty at every turn that brings inner peace, inspiration and exuberance. The main house, pool house and guest house all boast exquisite details including some Berger Jewell flooring, high ceilings, intricate millwork, gorgeous fireplaces, interiors by Colefax & Fowler and in the main house a stunning bifurcated staircase with an amazing library at the mezzanine. Incredibly rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind Country House era estate in the heart of east Lake Forest near Lake Michigan and all that downtown Lake Forest offers.
- Listing Courtesy of: @properties Christie's International Real Estate
Details
Updated on August 7, 2025 at 11:25 am- Property ID: MRD12265838
- Price: $14,975,000
- Property Size: 11787 Sq Ft
- Bedrooms: 8
- Bathrooms: 8
- Year Built: 1912
- Property Type: Single Family
- Property Status: Pending
- Parking Total: 36
- Off Market Date: 2025-06-23
- Parcel Number: 12341010200000
- Water Source: Public
- Sewer: Public Sewer
- Architectural Style: Georgian
- Buyer Agent MLS Id: MRD124510
- Days On Market: 183
- Purchase Contract Date: 2025-06-23
- MRD DRV: Asphalt,Brick,Gravel,Side Drive
- Basement Bath(s): Yes
- MRD GAR: Garage Door Opener(s),Transmitter(s),Heated,7 Foot or more high garage door,Multiple Garages
- AdditionalParcelsYN: 1
- Living Area: 8.68
- Fire Places Total: 7
- Cumulative Days On Market: 138
- Tax Annual Amount: 10212.73
- Roof: Slate
- Cooling: Central Air
- Electric: Service - 400 Amp or Greater
- Asoc. Provides: None
- Appliances: Range,Microwave,Dishwasher,High End Refrigerator,Disposal,Trash Compactor,Range Hood,Other,Front Controls on Range/Cooktop,Gas Cooktop,Humidifier
- Parking Features: Asphalt,Brick Driveway,Gravel,Side Driveway,Garage Door Opener,Heated Garage,Garage,On Site,Garage Owned,Attached,Detached,Driveway,Additional Parking,Circular Driveway,Electric Gate,Garage Faces Side,Owned
- Room Type: Bedroom 5,Bedroom 6,Bedroom 7,Bedroom 8,Breakfast Room,Den,Foyer,Gallery,Library,Office,Pantry,Storage,Heated Sun Room,Utility Room-Lower Level,Walk In Closet
- Community: Curbs,Sidewalks,Street Lights,Street Paved
- Stories: 3 Stories
- Directions: Sheridan Road south of Deerpath Road to Rosemary Road, east on Rosemary Road to property.
- Exterior: Brick
- Buyer Office MLS ID: MRD84025
- Association Fee Frequency: Not Required
- Living Area Source: Assessor
- Elementary School: Sheridan Elementary School
- Middle Or Junior School: Deer Path Middle School
- High School: Lake Forest High School
- Township: Shields
- Bathrooms Half: 2
- ConstructionMaterials: Brick
- Contingency: Attorney/Inspection
- Interior Features: Wet Bar,Elevator,1st Floor Bedroom,1st Floor Full Bath,Built-in Features,Walk-In Closet(s),Bookcases,High Ceilings,Coffered Ceiling(s),Historic/Period Mlwk,Granite Counters,Separate Dining Room,Pantry
- Asoc. Billed: Not Required
- Parking Type: Garage,Space/s
Address
Open on Google Maps- Address 930 E Rosemary
- City Lake Forest
- State/county IL
- Zip/Postal Code 60045
- Country Lake
Overview
- Single Family
- 8
- 8
- 11787
- 1912
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